United States Naval Academy - Lucky Bag Yearbook (Annapolis, MD)

Page 17 text:

John F. Kennedy President of the United States

Page 16 text:

The question of whether man serves as a maker of history or history as a maker of man has belabored the most dextrous of minds for the lengthiest of eras. At best, the answer is perhaps a compromise of the two resting not wholly in the Great Man theories nor in the fatalistic philosophies. The primary purpose of the Naval Academy is certainly not the discovery of the absolute view of history; rather it con- cerns itself with producing a graduate who can best cope with the rigors of the history he is living by relying on the best of ed- ucations and backgrounds. But the finest of talents can remain dormant and wasted unless there is capable leadership which provides for the proper channeling and cultivation of those abilities. It is from this lead- ership that purpose becomes apparent, that inspiration flourishes. And it is from this leadership that a nation becomes great. To us then, in the Graduating Class of 1963, falls the chal- lenge to which we must aspire to conquer. It is now our oppor- tunity to embark on the same precarious road that those who guide us have so skillfully tread. It is our responsibility to those we follow and to those who in turn will follow us to provide the same inspiration and leadership we know. It is our duty as part of that chain of command to continue the highest of tradi- tions which our country, our service, and ourselves know to be foundations of our way of life. And it is only un til we too have trod the winding reaches of the future, that we can look back in perspective and learn if our efforts were as successful as theirs.

Page 18 text:

fe ' ' ftj ' ' ' . Robert S. McNamara Secretary of Deferise 10